McNeese’s Spring 2018 Commencement Set

May 7, 2018

McNeese State University will hold its 150th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Burton Coliseum. Since the first class graduated on May 29, 1941, McNeese has awarded over 61,000 degrees.

The spring class of 2018 includes 754 candidates from 43 parishes, 22 states and 22 countries, and 757 degrees will be awarded, including 39 associate degrees, 591 bachelor’s degrees, 126 master’s degrees and one education specialist degree.

Dr. C. Mitchell Adrian, provost and vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management at McNeese, will preside over the commencement ceremony, recognize retiring faculty and confer degrees on candidates.

McNeese President Dr. Daryl V. Burckel will welcome the spring candidates and introduce the Golden Scholars from the Class of 1968.

McNeese will also award a posthumous honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to the late Lake Charles business owner and supporter of the university Billy Navarre.

James David Cain Jr., president of the McNeese Alumni Association, will address the students on behalf of the association.

Several honor graduates will also be recognized during the ceremony. They are designated as summa cum laude (3.90-4.00), magna cum laude (3.70-3.89) and cum laude (3.50-3.69).

The presentation of degree candidates will be announced by John Bridges for the six colleges, the Doré School of Graduate Studies and the Department of General and Basic Studies.

Vocal performance candidates Jalen Byrd, of Luling, and Emily Lancon, of Lake Charles, will lead the students and audience in the alma mater.

For several years, Burton Coliseum has been filled to capacity and late arriving guests were not admitted in compliance with Fire Marshall regulations. For the spring commencement, a ticket system has been established, according to Candace Townsend, McNeese director of public relations and university events. “

“All graduation candidates were issued up to eight tickets for family and guests for the ceremony,” said Townsend. “And, all guests must have a ticket to enter the coliseum.”

The McNeese commencement ceremony will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/McNeeseStateU for family members and friends unable to attend commencement. The ceremony will also be broadcast on the Calcasieu Government Channel at a date to be announced.